temple in beijing with lion statue

Study Abroad in Greater China

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study abroad in china

Bask in the wonders of Greater China, from its history and culture to its massive global influence.

When you study abroad in Greater China, you'll explore the region's top historic sites, including the Great Wall, French Concession, and the Sky Taipei, all while gaining a new understanding of Greater China's past and present. With 30+ years of experience, nearly a dozen programs to choose from, and three professionally-staffed sites in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei, CIEE offers students a variety of transformational study abroad programs in Greater China.

Immerse yourself in Chinese language, culture, and tradition with co-curricular activities at outdoor markets, local events, and excursions to nearby towns. Sample life in a rural community with a service project; explore sustainability in Beijing; intern with a local company in Shanghai; or take your Mandarin language skills to the next level in Taipei.

Homestays, peer language tutors, cultural activities, and excursions to local and regional sites will give you deep insight into Greater China's history and a new perspective on its future.

Best Places to Study Abroad in Greater China

temple of heaven beijing china

Beijing

Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and more in China's capital city while improving your Chinese.

shanghai downtown skyline

Shanghai

Experience China's largest, most developed city full of culture, food, and historic sites to see. 

skyline taipei clear day

Taipei

Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of Asia's most culturally rich cities. 

Studying Abroad in Greater China Reviews

  • "I would recommend this program because even though I was a beginner with no experience in the language, I felt like my class was so useful and well-paced. Having my Chinese roommate was a great way for me to not feel lonely and my teachers were all so kind, patient, and dedicated."

    Whitney W., University of Oregon

  • "This program was great! Not only was I able to develop my Chinese, I was also able to learn more about the culture!"

    Keylana J., University of Redlands

  • "Overall, I had a great experience! Staff and programs were wonderful."

    Larissa L., Babson College

  • "I really learned a lot about China and I was able to thoroughly experience a lot of the culture there."

    Ancion T., Florida A&M University

beijing forbidden palace

NEW PROGRAMS COMING SOON

  • Semester in Beijing (spring 2025)
  • Semester in Shanghai (spring 2025)
  • Summer Global Internship in Taipei (summer 2025)

Study Abroad Greater China Programs

taipei taiwan temple lake
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Take your studies to the City of Azaleas and Taiwan’s incredible capital.

Program Interests
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Big City
  • Bike Friendly
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Volunteering
night market taipei taiwan
  • Taipei, Taiwan
  • Study Program

Study abroad in Taipei, Taiwan's revered capital, famed for its modern skyline, night markets, and temples

Program Interests
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Big City
  • Bike Friendly
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
aerial view taipei downtown
  • Study Program

Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of the most culturally rich cities on Earth.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Bike Friendly
  • Language Immersion
  • Mountains to Hike
lantern red china abroad
  • Shanghai, China
Resumes Summer ’24
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Learn about business ethics, corporate structure, and fiscal policies while completing a full-time internship in the largest city in China.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Life by the Sea
downtown taipei taiwan city view
  • Taipei, Taiwan
  • Study Program

Spend your winter break studying abroad in Taipei, where you'll explore Asian society

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Bike Friendly
  • Mountains to Hike
shanghai night aerial view
  • Shanghai, China
  • Study Program

There’s no better place to study global business than the financial and cultural hub of Shanghai.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Life by the Sea
  • Volunteering
night market shanghai china temples
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Whether you’re a rank beginner or have strong Chinese language skills, you’ll progress by leaps and bounds, moving ahead at least two levels with CIEE in Shanghai.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Life by the Sea
shanghai french concession view
  • Shanghai, China
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

China’s 5,000-year history is marked with contributions

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Life by the Sea
beijing temple lake sunny clear sky day
  • Study Program

If immersion and great instruction isn’t enough, awe-inspiring icons like the Great Wall and Forbidden City should do the trick – and make this an experience you’ll always remember.

Program Interests
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Language Immersion
beijing forbidden city night
  • Study Program

Beijing is the place to give your Mandarin skills a major boost this summer.

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
  • Language Immersion
  • Volunteering
modern building downtown beijing sun
  • Beijing, China
  • Study Program

The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Olympic Stadium are just some of the awesome historic sites that will amaze you

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
nighttime shanghai street
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Explore traditions in the world’s most populated city

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Life by the Sea
shanghai aerial view from sky
  • Shanghai, China
  • Study Program
  • Multi-Location Offering
  • Part-Time Internship

Explore strategic management in Shanghai this January.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Life by the Sea
  • Volunteering

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Greater China, students can complete a few simple steps – search our study abroad programs in Greater China, connect with your campus study abroad office, and start your application.

While Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei offer students an authentic study abroad experience in Greater China, each city has different characteristics. Beijing is a more historical city with prestigious universities and drier, more polluted air. Shanghai is the more international, developed city with a unique Shanghainese dialect. Taipei is a bustling modern city with a humid, subtropical climate.

There are several reasons to study abroad in Greater China, from breathtaking natural sites and historical landmarks, to the opportunity to study Mandarin with welcoming native speakers. Whether you study in Greater China for a summer, semester, or year, there are multiple opportunities to intern, travel, and volunteer in the community.

Greater China is a relatively safe region for students to travel. As with any study abroad destination in Asia, we recommend that students stay aware of their surroundings, keep their belongings safe, and travel in groups when possible.

Safety And Security Travel Advisory

Effective March 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory to all U.S. citizens traveling within Greater China. All students choosing to study abroad in the region are advised to carefully review the Travel Advisory and be fully committed to adjusting their personal practices to limit any potential negative interactions. When on program, participants must ensure that all actions, attitudes, social media, communications, and photographs shared represent Chinese culture positively. Should you require support from CIEE's Health, Safety, and Security team, please contact us.

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